Drugs in the Drinking Water

By Virginia Prescott on Monday, January 26, 2009.

The U.S. has one of the safest drinking water supplies in the world, so most of us don’t think twice before turning on the tap. But recent technological advances have enabled scientists to take a closer look at that water. And they’re finding traces of pharmaceuticals in it - common drugs like Ibuprofrin and birth control pills. It turns out we’re drinking tiny doses every time we fill up at the tap.

KQED’s Amy Standen explores how they got there, and asks, “should we care?” It's part of KQED's QUEST Radio series. Click here to listen.

(Photo by Carly & Art)

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Word of Mouth is all about what's new. Online and on-air, the show looks at our fascinating and ever-changing world, and puts the latest ideas under a microscope. Word of Mouth investigates everything from science and technology, to health and the environment, to new trends in popular culture. The show airs Monday through Thursday at noon and is hosted by Virginia Prescott.

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